God, How do I do this?

May 1, 2015

Recently I had one of those moments as I was reading Psalms 51:10-12 when I was struck by the words “steadfast and willing.” The passage reads, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” What struck me about this passage were the words, “renew a steadfast spirit within me”, and “grant me a willing spirit to sustain me” When I looked up “steadfast” in the dictionary it said, “unchanging, steady, loyal, constant.” Then I looked up the word “willing” and it said, “to decide on, to choose, to yearn for, desire.”

As I thought about this, I realized that in order to be steadfast and willing in my journey with God I was going to need God to show me how to do this because I could not be willing and steadfast in my own fleshly power. I turned over to Proverbs and began reading chapter 3. As I was reading He started to answer my earlier question, “God, how do I do this?” He begins in verse 1 with, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.” My response was okay, but why? He continues, “for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” This is good I can understand this.

Then He says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you.” Again I’m thinking why, “Because you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” By this time I’m becoming very interested. As I continue to read He says; “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Why? “Because this will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Health and nourishment, that’s good I like this, so I read on.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” Okay, what’s the benefit? “Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Then He ends with “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke.” Why? “Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” I’m thinking wow this is great stuff! God shares with us His wisdom, and shows us exactly how it will affect us.

It makes sense that if you don’t heed his counsel what you will reap will be the opposite of the good that God desires for you. What was exciting for me was when I fully began to realize that when we ask God to help us be steadfast and willing in our walk, He has already provided not only wise counsel but the benefits of relationship with Him as our loving Father. What a privilege to be able to benefit from the wisdom of God.